HOW SHOULD I READ THE WORD?

ASKING GOD TO UNVEIL HIS HIDDEN TREASURES
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Psalm 119:18 (Psalm 119:27, 34, 68, 73, 124, 125; Ephesians 1:18)

WITH FAITH, EXPECTING TO HEAR FROM GOD
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, but the word preached, did not profit them, not being MIXED WITH FAITH in them that heard it.” Hebrews 4:2

WITH READINESS OF MIND
“These (the saints who lived in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with ALL READINESS OF MIND, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” The Bereans eagerly searched the Scriptures. There were not satisfied until they knew the truth and understood the full revelation of what they were reading.

WITH DILIGENCE
“I rejoice at thy word, as one that finds great spoil.” When someone is searching for gold they don’t give up just because they don’t strike gold the first day, or the first week or even the first month! They keep on digging – sweating and slogging in the hot sun. This should be out attitude as we read the Word. Some days you may not receive any illumination, but keep on searching. Be diligent and you will strike hidden treasures.

WITH DELIGHT
“I will DELIGHT myself in thy statutes.” Psalm 119:16, 23, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 103, 111, 143, 162, 174

WITH LONGING
“My soul breaks for the Longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.” Psalm 119:20, 40, 131
Do you yearn and long for the Word to wash you, feed you and enlighten you?

WITH RESPECT
“My heart stands in awe of thy Word.” Psalm 119:6, 15, 117, 161
“To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.”
Psalm 66:2

WHEN SHOULD I READ OR MEDITATE ON THE WORD?

DAILY
The Bereans searched the Scriptures DAILY. (Acts 17:11) Exodus 16 tells us how God commanded the children of Israel to collect fresh manna DAILY.

ALL DAY
“Oh how I love thy law! It is my meditation ALL THE DAY.” Psalm 119:97
How can we read God’s Word all day? In our busy schedule it is usually impossible. However, you can write a Scripture on a card and keep it with you all day. Put it in your purse or your pocket. Pull it out from time to time and meditate on it. Try and memorize it. Mother, you can place the Bible on your windowsill, so you can catch a Scripture to meditate on while preparing the meal or doing dishes.

DURING THE NIGHT
“Mine eyes prevent the NIGHT WATCHES, that I might meditate in the Word.” Psalm 119:15,23,148.
Do you wake in the night? Don’t get it a state over losing sleep. Turn on the light and read the Word. Meditate in the Word. Go over Scriptures in your mind that you have memorized.

DAY AND NIGHT
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein DAY AND NIGHT, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein.” Joshua 1:8
We can’t read the Word day and night, but we can meditate on it throughout the day and in waking hours of the night.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE WORD OF GOD?

READ IT
“Seek ye out the book of the Lord, and READ.” Isaiah 34:16
“He shall READ therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, and to keep all the words of this law… and to do them.” Deuteronomy 17:20
“Till I come, give attendance to READING.” 1 Timothy 4:13

LISTEN TO IT
“If any man have ears to hear, let him hear… and unto you that hear shall more be given.” Mark 4:23-24
“So then faith comes by HEARING and HEARING by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

MEDITATE ON IT
“I will MEDITATE in Thy statutes.” Psalm 119: 15,23,48,78,97,99,148.
“Thou shalt MEDITATE therein day and night.” Joshua 1:18; Psalm 1:3
The meaning of the word ‘meditate’ (hagah) means to…

a) MEDITATE IT – read it over and over and think upon it until it becomes part of you. It is like the cow chewing the cud.

b) MUTTER IT – read it out loud. One translation says, “In His Word he speaks to himself day and night.”

c) MOUTH IT – God’s Word has greater power in your life when you speak it out loud. Speak it out loud over your life many times during the day.

MEMORIZE IT
“Store these My words in your MEMORIES.” Luke 9:44 Weymouth’s translation
“Keep in MEMORY what I have preached unto you.” 1 Corinthians 15:2
Memorizing Scripture will be the greatest blessing in your Christian life. Discipline yourself to do it.

LOVE IT
“I LOVE thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold… I love them exceedingly.” Psalm 119:113,119,127,167. Do you love the Word of God more than watching TV?

STUDY IT
“STUDY to show thyself Approved Unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 1 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:15,17; Psalm 119:102.
The letters AUG are the greatest degree you can have after your name. Study takes time and effort but you will not find hidden treasures unless you are prepared to dig.

CONFESS IT
“This book of the law shall not depart OUT OF THY MOUTH.” Joshua 1:18
“I will REAPEAT ALOUD all the laws you have given me.” Psalm 119:13 GNB
“Jesus answered and said, IT IS WRITTEN.” Matthew 4:4-11
“Let us hold fast the CONFESSION OF OUR FAITH without wavering.” Hebrews 10:23

SHARE IT
“My tongue shall speak of Thy Word.” Psalm 119:46.
“I believed, and therefore have I spoken.” 1 Corinthians 4:13
Share with others what God has shown you. What you give away you will keep. What you keep to yourself you will lose. The more you share your thoughts, the more they will become real to you. If you can’t share your revelation of the Word with someone vocally, email it to a friend or write a letter to someone. This person may be in need of this word of encouragement. If you are a parent, you are commanded to teach God’s Word to your children, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart and thou shalt TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY unto thy children.” Deut 6:6-9

LIVE IT
“Be ye DOERS of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22-25
Let the Word of God become so part of you that it becomes walking flesh. Seek to put into practice each day what God says to you.

Prepared by Nancy Campbell, Above Rubies